Ottawa, Canada:Honorable Kathleen Wynne, the Premier of Ontario praised the creativity of Pakistani artists while inaugurating an exhibition of Calligraphy themed “Harmony, Cooperation and Peace” at the Ontario Legislative Assembly, organised by the Consulate General of Pakistan, Toronto.
According to a press statement issued by Pakistan High Commission here, Kathleen underscored the need for greater cooperation and understanding among states. She appreciated the gesture of the Consul General for choosing the Parliament to host the event.
Mr. Patrick Brown the Leader of Opposition while speaking at the closing ceremony, fondly recalled his visit to Lahore and hoped to visit Pakistan again for a longer duration. He appreciated the artistic work of calligraphists and expressed his gratitude for hosting the exhibition at the Parliament.
The High Commissioner Mr. Tariq Azim Khan, in his address, highlighted the importance of peace and cooperation and said that such events will bring together people from all faiths for promotion of peace and harmony. The High Commissioner thanked Mr. Patrick Brown for being a great friend of Pakistan and invited Canadian dignitaries to visit Pakistan.
Earlier, while introducing the event, Consul General Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui said that the theme of the exhibition was to create harmony, cooperation as the meaning of Islam. Let us celebrate our commonalities, he stressed.
Lt Governor of Ontario Province, Elizabeth Dowdeswell also visited the exhibition and showed great interest in art pieces on display. Among others, the exhibition was visited by the members of Ontario Cabinet as well as the Speaker of the House and members of Consular Corps in Toronto.
On display were 40 pieces of art by Pakistani artists including the Chief Calligrapher of the Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque, Ustad Shafiquzzaman, Asghar Ali, Rana Riaz, Asghar Ali, Ashraf Heera, Mussarrat Arif, Ajab Khan, Rashid Seyal, Kashif Khan, Maqsood Lashari, Abdul Razzaq Razi, Irfan Ahmed Khan, Ahmed Ali Bhutta and others.
A large number of Pakistan origin Canadians who traveled from as far as Windsor, Hamilton, Burlington and Mississauga to attend the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition expressed their pride in their Pakistani heritage and Pakistan’s cultural accomplishments.
The visitors showed great interest in colorful brochure of the exhibition. The Consulate General of Pakistan, Toronto, is planning to take the exhibition to other parts of Ontario in the days ahead.
